I John Lesson #1
THE FELLOWSHIPS OF THE HOLY LIFE Memory Verse: I John 1:9 (N.W. 2:15) Lesson: I John 1:1-10
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God...." II Tim. 3:15. This of course includes I, II, and III John, as well as the rest of the 66 books of our Bible. No Bible believer that we know of, doubts that God used the apostle John to write these epistles as well as the Gospel of John and Revelation.
It is generally accepted that this epistle was written about 90 A.D.
John gives at least five purposes for writing this epistle:
1. That we might have fellowship. See 1:3, 6,7. Fellowship has to do with communion with Christ and not union with Christ.
Our sonship relationship with God never changes but our fellowship does
change.
2. That we might have joy. 1:4
3. That we might not sin. 2:1-2. The penalty for sin was paid at the cross
for the believer, but the power of sin is still a problem. This epistle
tells us how to have victory and forgiveness.
4. That we might overcome error. 2:26. Several errors are refuted in I John
and we will try to note some of them as we study.
5. That we might have assurance. 5:13
First John is not an easy book to outline as there are parallel lines of truth interwoven in the book that constantly reappear. There are three main ideas of conflict evident: light vs. darkness, love vs. hatred, and truth vs. error.
The book of I John falls into two divisions: (1) Fellowship: God Is Light, chapters 1 and 2; (2) Sonship: God Is Love, chapters 3-5. In the first two chapters the key verse is: "God is light" (1:5); the key word is: "fellowship" (1:3, 6, 7); and the key thought is: light cannot fellowship with darkness.
I. THE CAUSE OF FELLOWSHIP. v. 1-4
A. The Incarnation And Eternal Life. v. 1-2
1. Christ had no beginning. v. 1; 2:22; 4:2-3.
John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God.
2. John had heard, seen, and handled Christ. v. 1. This refutes the
Gnostic claim that Christ was not really human, and did not have a human
body. Luke 24:39, Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle
me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
3. Christ is the word of life. v. 1; John 1:1-2, 14, In the beginning
was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same
was in the beginning with God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among
us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)
full of grace and truth. John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that
he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life.
4. Christ was manifested through His incarnation. v. 2
5. John was a witness to eternal life and its source. v. 2
6. John experienced this eternal life. v. 2
7. John wrote this epistle telling people how to be sure they have this
eternal life. I John 5:4-13
B . The Incarnation And Fellowship. v. 3-4
1. The basis of fellowship is relationship.
v. 3. II Pet. 1:4, Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious
promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2. Relationship based upon reception of the right message.
3. Fellowship is with the Father and with the Son. v. 3
4. One purpose of this epistle. v. 4; Phil. 2:2, Fulfil ye my joy, that
ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
John 20:31, But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is
the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through
his name. Psa. 16:11, Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy
presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
John 15:11, These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might
remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
II. THE CONDITIONS OF FELLOWSHIP. v. 5-10
A. We Must Walk In The Light. v. 5-8
1. We must have the right concept of God. v.
5; I Tim. 6:16, Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which
no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be
honour and power everlasting. Amen. John 3:20-21, For every one that
doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds
should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his
deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
2. Our life must be separated from sin. v. 6. Many professing Christians
talk the talk, but do not walk the walk. Amos 3:3, Can two walk together,
except they be agreed?
3. We must claim the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice from daily
sins of defilement. v. 7
4. We must recognize the presence of the old nature. v. 8. We must not lie
about our sins.
B. We Must Confess Our Sins. v. 9-10
1. True confession involves repentance. v. 9;
Prov. 28:13, He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth
and forsaketh them shall have mercy. David tried to cover his sins (adultery
and murder), and he lost his health and his joy. Psa. 32:3-4, When I
kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For
day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the
drought of summer. Selah. Psa. 51:12, Restore unto me the joy of
thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
2. Sin is a part of our old nature, and if it is not confessed it will
break fellowship with God.
3. True confession will bring cleansing. v. 9
4. We must acknowledge sin or we make Him a liar. v. 10
CONCLUSION: This chapter deals a deadly blow to the heresy Of Antinomianism. "The Antinomian...holds that, since Christ's obedience and sufferings have satisfied the demands of the law, the believer is free from obligation to observe it."—A. H. Strong
While we do not obey God's moral law to be saved, we do seek to obey it because we are saved. Note the phrase "If we say" in v. 6, 8, 10. Notice the three "liars" described in these verses:
1. Lying about fellowship. v. 6-7
2. Lying about our nature. v. 8
3. Lying about our deeds. v. 10
There is a difference between saying and living. Too many Christians have good things to say about their walk with God, but their lives say something different. It is sad that some talk about spiritual things, but who do not practice them.
—by E. L. Bynum
1. Name the 5 purposes given for writing this epistle.
2. State the 2 part outline or divisions of the book.
3. Name the three main ideas of conflict in this book.
4. Name key verse or phrase, the key word, and the key thought in chapters one and two.
5. Quote the memory verse for this chapter.
6. What was the message that John had heard and was declaring?
7. Name the two conditions of fellowship for Christians.
8. What did John say about those who said they were not sinners?
9. Give the definition of Antinomianism.
10. Name the three "If we say" ways of lying.
Back To: First John Chapter One | First John Chapter Two |
First John Chapter Three
First John Chapter Four | First John Chapter Five | Second John
Third John | Jude | Top Of Lessons
Since "God is light," true Biblical fellowship must be in the light.
I. FELLOWSHIP AND THE PATTERN TO FOLLOW. v. 1-14
A. Our Advocate And Fellowship. v. 1-2
1. God does not give permission for His children
to sin. v. 1
2. God has a plan to keep us from sin. I John 1:7; Psa. 119:105, Thy
word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Phil. 1:10, That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye
may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Gal. 5:16,
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of
the flesh.
3. God has made provision for us if we sin. v. 1. 1:9
4. God has provided an advocate to plead our case when we sin. v. 1. "Advocate"
is elsewhere translated "comforter." He represents us before God
as a lawyer would represent us before a court.
5. God has provided propitiation for our sins. v. 2. Our sins separate us
from a holy and unchanging God. Christ through his sacrificial blood has
made satisfaction for the sins of every believing sinner. (God is not pacified,
but satisfied). See passages where the same are similar Greek words are
translated "merciful," "propitiation," and "mercyseat."
Luke 18:13, And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so
much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be
merciful to me a sinner. Heb. 2:17, Wherefore in all things it behoved
him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful
high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the
sins of the people. I John 4:10; Rom. 3:25, Whom God hath set forth
to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness
for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.
Heb. 9:5, And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat;
of which we cannot now speak particularly.
B. Our Obedience And Fellowship. v. 3-6
1. Obedience is the test of fellowship. v. 3.
John 14:15, If ye love me, keep my commandments.
2. Disobedience is the proof of non-fellowship. v. 4
3. Assurance comes through obedience. v. 5
4. The perfect example to follow. v. 6. If we follow this it will affect
our home life.
a. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ
loved the church. Eph. 5:25
b. Husbands are to care for their wives as Christ cared for the church.
Eph. 5:29
c. Wives are to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ.
Eph. 5:22-24
C. Our Love And Fellowship. v. 7-11
1. Love is the demonstration of fellowship. v. 7-8. Deut. 6:5, And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Lev. 19:18, ...(T)hou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.... John 13:34-35, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Rom. 13:8-10. This does not mean that we must love false teachers. We are to:
a. Love those that walk after His commandments.
II John 5-6
b. Love those who are not deceivers. II John 7
c. Love those that abide in the doctrine. II John 9-11
2. Hatred is the denial of fellowship. v. 9-11. John 12:35, Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. Prov. 4:19, The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. Eph. 4:32, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Col. 3:13, Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
a. There are three Greek words for love. v.
9. (1) "Agape" the highest and most sublime kind of love. (2)
"Philia" a friendship kind of love that is good, but not as sublime
as "agape." (3) "Eros" a sensual lover from which we
get the word "erotic." "Eros" is not found at all in
the New Testament.
b. Loving a brother in Christ produces wonderful results. (1) It causes
us not to think evil. I Cor. 13:5, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh
not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. (2) It covers
a multitude of sins. I Pet. 4:8, And above all things have fervent charity
among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (3)
It causes us to abide in the light. v. 10. (4) It causes us to keep others
from stumbling. v. 10.
D. Our Maturity And Fellowship. v. 12-14
1. All the saved are children and their sins
are forgiven. v. 12
2. The fathers are older in spiritual things and in growth. v. 13-14
3. The young men are growing in maturity and are overcoming. v. 13-14
a. They have overcome the wicked one. v. 13-14
b. They are strong. v. 14
c. The reason for their strengththe word of God abiding in them. v. 14
II. FELLOWSHIP AND THE PATH TO AVOID. v. 15-29
A. We Are To Avoid Love For The World. v. 15-17
"The world" in this passage refers to the invisible world and spiritual system that is opposed to God. I John 5:19; John 12:31; Phil. 3:20
1. We are not to love this world system. v.
15. Eph. 2:2, Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course
of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit
that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Eph. 6:12, For
we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Psa. 97:10, Ye that love the LORD, hate
evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the
hand of the wicked. Rom. 12:9, Let love be without dissimulation.
Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
2. We are not to love the things of this world. v. 15. Matt. 4:8-9
3. Love of the world shows that the love of the Father is not in us. v.
15
4. The evil things of this world are not of the father. v. 16. The devil
uses three things to trap Christians. Satan used all three to tempt Eve.
Gen. 3:6, And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and
that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise,
she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband
with her; and he did eat.
a. The lust of the flesh refers to mans fallen
nature. I Cor. 2:14, But the natural man receiveth not the things of
the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know
them, because they are spiritually discerned. John 3:5-6, Jesus answered,
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the
flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Rom.
7:18, For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good
thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is
good I find not. John 6:63, It is the spirit that quickeneth; the
flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit,
and they are life. Phil. 3:3, For we are the circumcision, which
worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence
in the flesh.
b. The lust of the eyes, which is the window that lets in sin. Beware of
opening the eye gate to feast on sin. Psa. 119:37, Turn away mine eyes
from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
c. The pride of life refers to the boastful pride of man. The friendship
of the world leads to being spotted by the world. This leads to being conformed
to the world. James 4:4, Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss,
that ye may consume it upon your lusts. James 1:27, Pure religion
and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless
and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Rom. 12:2, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
5. The things of this world pass away, but the things of God do not. v. 17. Nineteen world civilizations have existed and then perished. Ours will do the same.
B. We Are To Avoid The Apostates Of This World. v. 18-23
1. Antichrists are to increase in the last time. v. 18. II Pet. 3:8-9. We must distinguish between antichrists and the Antichrist.
a. All who in doctrine or practice, oppose Christ,
are antichrists.
b. The Antichrist will be a person who reign during the tribulation.
2. Apostates have departed from the truth, and
will depart from a true Church if they cannot take it over. v. 19.
3. God's servants know the truth. v. 20-21. Rom. 8:9
4. Those who deny Christ's deity are apostates. v. 22. John 10:30; John
5:23
5. They cannot deny the Son and have the Father. v. 23
C. We Are To Avoid Spiritual Seducers. v. 24-29
1. We can avoid them by adhering to the truth.
v. 24-26. John 8:44; II Cor. 11:13-15
2. We can avoid them by yielding to the indwelling Holy Spirit. v. 27-29.
To abide means to remain in fellowship.
——by E. L. Bynum
1. What is the meaning of "advocate"?
2. What is the meaning of "propitiation"?
3. How may believers be assured that they know God?
4. How should believers walk?
5. What did he say about one who hates his brother?
6. Why did he write to children, to fathers and to young men?
7. What did he say about love of the Father and the love of the world?
8. Is hatred compatible with fellowship? Why?
9. What is an antichrist?
10. Quote the memory verse.
Back To: First John Chapter One | First John Chapter Two |
First John Chapter Three
First John Chapter Four | First John Chapter Five | Second John
Third John | Jude | Top Of Lessons
Remember that I John falls into two divisions:
(1) Fellowship: God Is Light, chapters 1-2; (2) Sonship: God is Love, chapters
3-5.
I. RIGHTEOUS LIVING: THE EVIDENCE OF SONSHIP. v. 1-10
A. God's Love, An Incentive To Righteous Living. v. l
1. This section (v. 1-10) is an expanded emphasis
of 2:29, which speaks of doing righteousness.
2. God's past work of bestowing His love. v. 1
3. It is pure grace that we are the sons of God. v. 1
4. "What manner" comes from a Greek adjective which expresses
astonishment and admiration.
5. Sonship separates us from the unbelieving world.
B. The Second Coming An Incentive To Righteous Living. v. 2-3
1. Our present standingSons of God. v. 2a
2. The uncertainty of our future standing. v. 2b. Some hints are given.
Col 3:4, When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also
appear with him in glory. Matt. 13:43, Then shall the righteous shine
forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear,
let him hear. John 17:24, Father, I will that they also, whom thou
hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which
thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Rom. 8:17, And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs
with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified
together. Rev. 22:4, And they shall see his face; and his name shall
be in their foreheads.
3. The certainty of our future standing,we shall be like Him. v. 2c. V.
1 tells us what we are. V. 2 tells us what we shall be. V. 3 tells us what
we should be.
4. His coming and our change, a purifying hope. v. 3. Phil. 3:20-21,
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour,
the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned
like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able
even to subdue all things unto himself.
C. Salvation's Intent Is Holy Living. v. 4-5
1. Sin is the transgression of the law. v. 4.
Let us look at the Bible definitions of sin. ...[F]or whatsoever is not
of faith is sin. (Rom. 14:23). The thought of foolishness is sin.... (Prov.
24:9). Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him
it is sin. (James 4:17). All unrighteousness is sin.... (1 John 5:17). I
John 1:9-2:2, reveals that sin is a defilement.
2. Christ manifested to take away our sins. v. 5. This is the reason He
died for our sins.
D. Sonship And Righteous Living. v. 6-10
1. Abiding in Christ and the absence of sin. v. 6
a. Abiding in Him is the secret of righteous
living. v. 6a. See John 15:4-10. (See notes on v. 9). See Romans 6:1-23
b. Sinning is the proof of non-abiding. v. 6b
2. Righteous living is the proof of sonship.
v. 7a
3. Such righteousness is the family likeness. v. 7b
4. Such sinfulness is the family likeness. v. 8a
5. Sin is the continual mark of Satan's character. v. 8b
6. Since Christ came to destroy the works of the devil, how can the sons
of God do such works? v. 8c
7. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin. v. 9. In 1:8 and 2:1 we
find that the child of God may sin. These verses are not in conflict with
v. 9. There can only be two possible interpretations of v. 9.
a. The spiritual man that is born again cannot
sin but the fleshly man can sin. John 3:6; I Pet. 1:23, Being born again,
not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which
liveth and abideth for ever.
b. The child of God cannot habitually sin. We believe that both interpretations
are true. The born again nature cannot sin, but the flesh can, John 3:6,
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the
Spirit is spirit. Rom. 7:14-25. While the new nature cannot sin, the
old nature can. If the new nature is nurtured and followed, then it will
overcome the old nature. The new nature will not allow for habitual sin.
Rom. 7:17, Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth
in me. To overcome sin, we must feed the new man (the spiritual man),
with the Word of God. We must also exercise the new man. I Tim. 4:7,
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto
godliness. At the same time we must starve the old man, (the fleshly
man), by not feeding him on the sinful things of this world. James 1:13-15,
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be
tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted,
when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath
conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth
forth death.
8. How to distinguish the family of God from the family of the devil. v. 10. I John 2:4; Rom. 12:1, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Psa. 119:9-11, Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
II. BROTHERLY LOVE AND SONSHIP. v. 11-18
A. Sonship And Love. v. 11-15
1. We are to love our spiritual brothers. v.
11
2. Cain is an example of the devil's children. v.12; Heb. 11:4, By faith
Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he
obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and
by it he being dead yet speaketh. John 8:44, Ye are of your father
the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from
the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in
him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and
the father of it. Cain was not an atheist, but he pretended to be a
believer by bringing an offering. His bloodless sacrifice and his hatred
of his brother, both prove that he was a child of the devil.
3. God's children hated by the world. v. 13; John 15:18, If the world
hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.
4. Love gives evidence of sonship. v. 14
5. Hate gives evidence of relationship to Satan. v. 15. Matt. 5:21-26,
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill;
and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto
you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in
danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall
be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be
in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and
there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there
thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother,
and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles
thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee
to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast
into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence,
till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
B. The Evidence Of Love. v. 16-18
1. His love an example of how our love should
be. v. 16. John 3:16 tells us what God did for us, and I John 3:16 tells
us what we ought to do for our brethren.
2. The practical evidence of our love. v. 17. Gal. 6:10, As we have therefore
opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of
the household of faith.
3. Our love is to be in deed, not in word only. v. 18. James 2:15-16,
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of
you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding
ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it
profit? Some love in tongue, but they do not love in deed and in truth.
III. SONSHIP AND ASSURANCE. v. 19-24
A. The Nature Of Assurance. v. 19-21
1. Assurance depends on the practice of love.
v. 19. Matt. 5:23-24
2. Love brings assurance to our hearts. v. 20
3. If our heart condemns us not, we have assurance from God. v. 21
B. The Realization Of Sonship. v. 22-24
1. Answered prayer gives evidence of sonship.
v. 22. Psa. 37:4, Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give
thee the desires of thine heart.
2. We are to believe on His name. v. 23. This means to believe all that
His name impliesHis deity, His Saviourhood, etc.
3. Keeping His word gives evidence of sonship. 24a
4. His indwelling Spirit gives evidence of sonship. v. 24b
—By E. L. Bynum
1. What outward sign do believers have of God's love?
2. What did John say about our future standing?
3. The doctrine of the Second Coming is a ______________ hope.
4. What does he say about sin and the law?
5. What was Christ manifested to do?
6. What is the secret of righteous living ?
7. How are the children of God and the children of the Devil made manifest
?
8. Righteous living is the proof of ______________ .
9. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin." Explain, that
statement.
10. What is a person who hates his brother?
11. Who receives what he asks for?
12. Quote the memory verse.
Back To: First John Chapter One | First John Chapter Two |
First John Chapter Three
First John Chapter Four | First John Chapter Five | Second John
Third John | Jude | Top Of Lessons
I. SONSHIP AND THE DISCERNMENT OF ERROR. v. 1-6
The Sons of God should be able to discern between "the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." v. 6. God has given his Word as a standard, and His Holy Spirit as a guide and teacher. If the Sons of God cannot tell the difference, then perhaps they are not sons, or they have not studied the Word and yielded to the Holy Spirit.
A. The Trying Of False Prophets. v. 1
1. We are not to believe every spirit. v. la
2. We are to try the spirits. v. lb; Isa. 8:20, To the law and to the
testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there
is no light in them. I Thess.5:21, Prove all things; hold fast that
which is good.
3. There are many false prophets. v. 1c; II Cor. 11:13-15, For such are
false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles
of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel
of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed
as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their
works. I Tim. 4:1, Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits,
and doctrines of devils. II Tim. 3:1-8; 4:3-4; Matt. 24:4, And Jesus
answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. Acts
20:30, Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things,
to draw away disciples after them. II Pet. 2:1, But there were false
prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among
you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord
that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
B. The Testing Of False Prophets. v. 2-6
1. They are tested in relation to the doctrine of Christ. v. 2
a. They must confess that Jesus is the Christ.
b. They must confess that "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh."
Not merely that He came "into" the flesh. This verse is written
in the perfect tense which indicates that He came in the flesh and continues
to abide in the flesh. This is true, he abides in heaven.
2. Those who fail the test are of antichrist.
v. 3a
3. The spirit of antichrist is already in the world. v. 3b
4. The children of God are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who is greater than
the spirit of antichrist. v. 4. John 12:31, Now is the judgment of this
world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. Eph. 2:2,
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according
to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the
children of disobedience. This shows how to overcome demons and false
teachers.
5. False teachers have a different source of knowledge. v. 5
6. Those who hear the true teachers and those who do not. v. 6. This explains
why multitudes follow the false teachers of our day. The following Scriptures
show that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. John 14:17, Even the
Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not,
neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall
be in you. John 15:26, But when the Comforter is come, whom I will
send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth
from the Father, he shall testify of me. John 16:13, Howbeit when
he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for
he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall
he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
II. SONSHIP AND THE MANIFESTATION OF LOVE. v. 7-16
A. Love Is A Family Trait. v. 7-8
1. We are to love one another because it is
of God. v. 7. This does not mean that we are to love and fellowship with
false prophets and teachers, for this would contradict v. 1-6.
2. Love is evidence of the new birth. v. 7
3. Lack of love gives evidence of NO new birth. v. 7
4. God is... v. 8
a. "God is love." v. 8
b. "God is a Spirit." John 4:24
c. "God is light." I John 1:5
5. To know God means you have deep intimate relationship with Him. Much that is called love today has no resemblance to the love of the Bible.
B. The Greatest Manifestation Of Love. v. 9-10
1. This greatest example of love, was God's love and His of His Son. v. 9; John 3:16
a. "Live through Him." I John 4:9
b. Live "for Him." II Cor. 5:15
c. Live "with Him." I Thess. 5:9-10
2. The direction of love. It came down from
God. v. 10. Deut. 7:7-8, The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor
choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were
the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he
would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD
brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of
bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Propitiation is not
man doing something to appease God, but it is something God does to make
it possible for men to be forgiven.
3. The result of this love. v. 10
C. The Responsibility To Love. v. 11-12
1. God's love obligates us to love. v. 11. "God
so loved" is the same expression as in John 3:16.
2. Love is not seeing God, but the manifestation of His indwelling in us.
v. 12
D. The Indwelling Presence Of God And Love. v. 13-16
1. The Spirit testifies to a double indwelling.
v.13; John 15:1-10. In the Old Testament God dwelt in the tabernacle and
the temple, but now He dwells in the Christian. Think about that!!
2. The Spirit's indwelling enables us to testify. v. 14
3. True confession is more than the recital of a creed. v. 15; v. 2, 3
4. Love is a working force in our lives. v. 16. To abide in Christ means
to remain in spiritual oneness with Him, so that no sin comes between us.
III. THE INCENTIVE TO LOVE AND IT'S PERFECTION. v. 17-21
A. Love's Perfection In Us. v. 17-18
1. He makes our love mature. v. 17a
2. This will help us face the judgment seat of Christ. v. 17b
3. There is no fear in love. v. 18a
4. Love casteth out fear. v. 18b. John 5:24, Verily, verily, I say unto
you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting
life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto
life. Rom. 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation to them which
are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Our sins were judged on the cross.
5. Fear reveals immaturity. v. 18c. Rom. 8:15, 35-39
B. The Greatest Incentive To Love. v. 19
1. The eternal sovereign love of God is the
fountain of all that is good in us. v. 19
2. He loved us when we were unlovely. v. 19; Titus 3:3-7, For we ourselves
also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts
and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy
he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being
justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of
eternal life. Rev. 1:5, And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful
witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings
of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his
own blood.
"He did not wait till I loved Him,
But He loved me at my worst:
He needn't ever have loved me at all,
If I could have loved Him first."
C. The Brotherhood Of Love. v. 20-21
1. The man who is a liar. v. 20a (See five other
liars in I John 1:6,8,10; 2:4,22.)
2. The unanswerable question. v. 20b
3. The commandment of consistency. v. 21
—By E. L. Bynum
1. What does it mean to "try the spirits,"
and how are we to do this? Give Scripture!
2. What is a false prophet?
3. How are we to overcome demons and false teachers?
4. How are we to judge the hearers?
5. What did John say about love and God?
6. What is the evidence of the new birth ?
7. What is the evidence of NO new birth?
8. State the greatest manifestation of love.
9. How is God's love made known to man?
10. Where does fear cease to exist?
11. What does God say about the man who hates his brother?
12. Quote the memory verse.
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First John Chapter Three
First John Chapter Four | First John Chapter Five | Second John
Third John | Jude | Top Of Lessons
I. SONSHIP PROVED BY THE CONDUCT WE EXHIBIT. v. 1-5
A. As Begotten Ones We Love The Brethren. v. 1-3
1. Believing faith essential to the new birth.
v. la
2. Loving God and loving the brethren. v. lb
3. Loving God and keeping his commandments essential to loving the brethren.
v. 2. This is not a distasteful burden, but a joy. Psa. 119:16, I will
delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psa. 119:24,
Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. Psa. 119:97, O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
4. Love for God makes keeping His commandments not grievous. v. 3
B. As Believing Ones We Live Victoriously. v. 4-5
1. Those born of God overcome the world. v.
4a. "Overcometh" is in the present tense, showing that this is
a continual battle.
2. This victory comes by faith. v. 4b. All the great heroes of Heb. 11,
gained the victory by faith. They simply believed God.
a. "Victory" come from the Greek word
"nike." The Greek goddess of victory was called Nike. I believe
we have a well known brand of athletic shoes named Nike.
b. "Overcometh" in v. 4 and 5 comes from the Greek word "Nikano,"
which means "to carry off the victory, come off victorious." It
especially refers to Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death
against the power of their foes, temptations, and persecutions.
c. Some variations of this word in the N.T., and which carry the idea of
victory are: Nicanos (Acts 6:5); Nicodemus (John 3:1); Nicolas (Acts 6:5;
and Nicopolis (Titus 3:12).
3. Overcoming dependent on a right belief in Christ. v. 5. John 16:33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Our victory is in Him. We are crucified with Him, buried with Him, raised with Him, and seated with Him in the heavenlies. This is why we are victorious.
II. SONSHIP PROVED BY CREDENTIALS WE EXHIBIT. v. 6-13
A. The Evidence Of The Credentials. v. 6-8
1. He came by water and blood. v. 6a
a. "Water" speaks of His baptism which
inaugurated His ministry. Matt. 3:16-17, And Jesus, when he was baptized,
went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto
him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon
him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom
I am well pleased.
b. "Blood" speaks of His sacrificial death. John 19:34, But
one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there
out blood and water. This speaks of blood and water in reverse order.
2. The Spirit bears record as the Spirit of
truth. v. 6b. Rom. 8:15-16, For ye have not received the spirit of bondage
again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,
Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we
are the children of God.
3. The Holy Trinity bear record in heaven. v. 7. This verse has largely
been removed from the new versions, but we accept it just as it is written
in the KJV. John 16:13-14; 14:17; 15:26
4. For the 3 witnesses see v. 6 and above notes. v. 8
B. The Effect Of The Credentials. v. 9-13
Verses 9-13 furnish proof of a know so, eternal salvation.
1. Men require a 2 or 3-fold witness. v. 9a.
Deut. 19:15, One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity,
or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses,
or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
Matt. 18:16, But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or
two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be
established. John 8:16-18, And yet if I judge, my judgment is true:
for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. It is also written
in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness
of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
2. God has given a greater 3-fold witness v. 9b
a. The Father's witness to the Son at His baptism.
See Matt. 3:17, And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved
Son, in whom I am well pleased.
b. The witness of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. Gal.
2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but
Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by
the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
c. The witness of the Spirit by His resurrection. Rom. 1:4, And declared
to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by
the resurrection from the dead.
3. The internal witness to the believer. v.
10a
4. The one who rejects the witness makes God a liar. v. 10b
5. The intent of this witness is that we have eternal life. v. 11. Those
who deny any of this make God a liar.
6. The difference that the Son makes. v. 12. John 3:36
7. There must be confidence in the knowledge of eternal life as a present
possession. v. 13. We can know that we have eternal life. It is not guess,
or hope, but know.
III. SONSHIP PROVED BY CONFIDENCE WE EXHIBIT. v. 14-21
A. Confidence In Prayer. v. 14-17
1. Praying in His will assures us of confidence in His answer. v. 14. There are conditions to getting our prayers answered.
a. We must ask according to His will. v. 14
b. Our family life (husband and wife) must be right. I Pet. 3:7, Likewise,
ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto
the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the
grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
c. Problems with other Christians must be settled. Matt. 5:23-24, Therefore
if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother
hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy
way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
d. We must abide in Christ in love and obedience. John 15:7, If ye abide
in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall
be done unto you.
2. Confidence in the petitions being granted. v. 15. Phil. 4:19; I Thess. 5:17
a. Note the prayer life of Jesus, and the example it sets for us. Mark 1:35, And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Luke 6:12, And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Heb. 5:7, Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared.
3. The actions of others may limit our prayers. v. 16. The sin unto death is sin by a believer to the extent that God takes his life, but his soul is saved. It is a dangerous thing to play with sin, and the consequences can be serious.
a. These indulged in willful sin and suffered
judgment. Nadab and Abihu, Lev. 10:1-7. Ananias and Sapphira lied to God
about their giving. Acts 5:1-11
b. God chastises those Christians that sin, and if they do not repent, He
may choose to take their lives. I John 5:16
4. All unrighteousness is sin. v. 17
B. Confidence In Knowledge. v. 18-21
1. "We know" that those born of God are eternally secure. v. 18
a. This verse does not contradict v. 16 and
17, nor does it contradict 1:8 and 2:1.
b. It should be understood in the light of 3:9. See notes on that verse.
c. We know that Satan cannot touch the child of God without God's permission.
Job 1:12, And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in
thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth
from the presence of the LORD. Luke 22:31-32, And the Lord said,
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you
as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when
thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Please not that Jesus prayed
for Peter.
d. In temptation God will give us strength to overcome. I Cor. 10:13,
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God
is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;
but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able
to bear it. I John 2:13-14
e. God has given us our armor, including the sword of the Spirit. Eph. 6:17,
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God.
2. "We know" that we are of God. v.
19. We should stand in awe and wonder of such knowledge.
3. "We know" that He has come and hath given us understanding.
v. 20. Jesus is the true God (v. 20); the true light (John 1:9); the true
bread (John 6:32); the true vine (John 15:1); and the truth (John 14:6).
Anything else is a cheap copy. He is the real thing.
4. We know we should keep ourselves from idols. v. 21 An idol is anything
that usurps God's place in one's life. I Cor. 8:4; Psa. 115:4-8; I Thess.
1:9
—by E. L. Bynum
1. What is true of a person who is born of God?
2. Who overcomes the world?
3. How does victory over the world come?
4. What is meant by "water and blood" in v. 6?
5. Who bears record in Heaven?
6. How many witnesses does man require, and how many witnesses has God provided?
7. Who and how is God called a liar?
8. Who has life and who does not?
9. Why did John write these things?
10 . What did John write about prayer?
11. What characterizes the person born of God?
12. From what should believers keep themselves?
13. Quote the memory verse.
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First John Chapter Three
First John Chapter Four | First John Chapter Five | Second John
Third John | Jude | Top Of Lessons
This little book centers on "truth"
which occurs five times. It provides us with a homily on truth, giving us
its nature, test, fruit, character, and defense. It provides us with practical
and doctrinal aspects of continuing in the truth.
There are three views about who this letter was written to. (1) It was written
to one woman and her children. (2) It was written to a church. Remember
that a church is spoken of in the feminine gender, bride, etc. (3) The solution
may be that church was meeting in this woman's house, which was common in
those days. Regardless, it contains a powerful message on truth, to churches
and to individuals. In Satan's war against the truth he attacks the family.
If he can destroy the home, he can destroy a church or nation.
I. PRACTICAL ASPECT: WALKING IN TRUTH & LOVE. v. 1-6
A. Knowing The Truth. v. 1-3
1. "The elder" is the apostle John,
and the title could well apply to both his age and office. v. la
2. "The elect lady and her children." v. lb. This is the Christian
mother and her children whom he addresses. She was one of the chosen ones.
The same word that is translated "elect" is also translated "chosen."
Eph. 1:4, According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation
of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
II Tim. 2:10, Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that
they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal
glory. I Pet. 1:2, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the
Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling
of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3. Love should be in the truth, not apart from it. v. 1c. (This is the basis
of fellowship). John 8:31-32, Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed
on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And
ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
4. We love, labor, and worship for the truth's sake. v. 2
a. Jesus Christ is the truth. John 14:6, Jesus
saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto
the Father, but by me.
b. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. John 14:16-17, And I will
pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide
with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive,
because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth
with you, and shall be in you.
c. God's word is truth. John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth:
thy word is truth.
5. A triad of blessings. v. 3a
a. "Grace" that brings salvation.
Titus 2:11, For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared
to all men. Eph. 2:8-9, For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any
man should boast.
b. "Mercy" from which all our hope begins. Eph. 2:4, But God,
who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.
c. "Peace" which guards our hearts. Phil. 4:7, And the peace
of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus. Rom. 5:1, Therefore being justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
6. The source of these blessings. v. 3b
7. The element of these blessings"in truth and love." v. 3c. We
are to love the truth.
8. By linking the Father and the Son in this passage, he is affirming the
deity of Christ. v. 3. I John 2:23; John 10:30-33, I and [my] Father
are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered
them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those
works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we
stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest
thyself God.
B. Walking In The Truth. v. 4-6
1. Her children walking in the truth. v. 4. This is the correct course of the Christian life and the one commanded. I John 2:7, 24; 3:11, 23, 24. I Thess. 1:2-10.
a. His joy that the children were walking in
the truth. v. 4a; III John 4
b. The reason why they walked in the truth. v. 4b. Psa. 33:11, The counsel
of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
I John 5:3
2. Continue the practice of Christian love.
v. 5; I John 2:8-9; Gal. 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. Rom. 5:5, And
hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts
by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
3. Love cannot be separated from His commandments. v. 6 In v. 5 obedience
prompts love; in v. 6 love prompts obedience. I John 2:7-8, Brethren,
I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had
from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard
from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing
is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light
now shineth. Eph. 4:15, But speaking the truth in love, may grow
up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
II. DOCTRINAL ASPECT: WATCHING AGAINST ERROR. v. 7-13
A. Protecting The Truth. v. 7-9
1. Teachers of untruths. v. 7; I John 2:18, 22, 26; 4:1, 3
a. They deny Christ came in the flesh.
b. They are branded as deceivers and antichrists. "Anti" means
both "instead of" and "against."
c. These deceivers went out of the church. I John 2:19; Acts 20:30, Also
of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away
disciples after them.
d. Notice there were man of these deceivers. v. 7a. II Pet. 2:2, And
many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth
shall be evil spoken of.
2. The presence of such teachers calls for self
examination on the part of believer. v . 8a
3. Failure to do so will cause loss of rewards. v. 8b. II Peter 1:11,
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting
kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
4. The doctrine of Christthe acid test. v. 9; I John 2:21, 22. Modernism
denies the doctrine of Christ. They cast doubt on His person, His virgin
birth, His sinless life, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection.
B. Protecting The Home In The Truth. v. 10-11
1. The test of fellowship and hospitality is doctrine. v. 10
a. Refuse them entrance to your home. Jehovah's
Witnesses, Mormons, and all false teachers are not to be allowed in our
homes, either in person, or by radio, or T.V.
b. Refuse to bid them God speed.
2. Charity toward false teachers is a sin against God. v. 11 When cults, liberals, and apostates deny the doctrine of Christ, and they all do, our duty is clear. II Cor. 6:14-17, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
C. Protecting Friendship In The Truth. v. 12-13
1. There were many things he did not write.
v. 12a
2. He expected to make a personal appearance. v. 12b
3. He expected that to be a joyful occasion. v. 12c
4. Greeting from the children of an elect sister. v. 13
1. Love in the truth. v. 1
2. For the sake of the truth. v. 2
3. Salutation in the truth. v. 3
4. Walking in the truth. v. 4-6
5. The test of the truth. v. 7-9
6. Defense of the truth. v. 10-13
—by E. L. Bynum
1. To whom was this epistle written?
2. Love should be in the ________________ .
3. Name the triad of blessings in v. 3 and their source.
4. Why did John rejoice ?
5. Love cannot be separated from the _________________ .
6. What is the acid test of doctrine?
7. What does one do who does not have God?
8. How should we treat false teachers?
9.Quote the memory verse.
10. Give the two part outline of this book.
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First John Chapter Three
First John Chapter Four | First John Chapter Five | Second John
Third John | Jude | Top Of Lessons
This little epistle was written to a faithful
member of a Church. We do not know where this Church was located. There
are at least four men in the N.T. by the name of Gaius. This Gaius cannot
positively be identified with any of the others. His name means, "I
am glad."
This epistle reveals the responsibility of the individual in the Church
to so walk in the truth that they "might be fellowhelpers, to the truth."
III John 8. Error in the church is the most dangerous kind of error.
I. GAIUSA MAN WALKING IN THE TRUTH. v. 1-8
A. The Apostle's Greetings. v. 1-4
1. The Apostle's love. v. 1. His love was rooted
in truth and on account of the truth. It does not relate to the sentimental
love today which is so often contrary to the truth.
2. The Apostle's wish. v. 2
a. His wish or prayer was that Gaius' health
might prosper.
b. He desired that his physical health might equal his spiritual health.
Many today are concerned about their physical health, but pay little attention
to their spiritual condition. II Cor. 4:16, For which cause we faint
not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day
by day.
c. The same principles that make us healthy can be applied to our spiritual
health.
(1) Proper diet of the Word of God. I Tim. 4:6,
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a
good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of
good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
(2) Proper exercise. I Tim. 4:7, But refuse profane and old wives' fables,
and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
(3) Proper cleanliness. II Cor. 7:1, Having therefore these promises,
dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
(4) Avoid the pollution of the world. II Pet. 1:4,
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by
these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption
that is in the world through lust. James 1:27, Pure religion and
undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and
widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
3. The Apostle's rejoicing. v. 3-4
a. He rejoiced because of inward truth. v. 3a.
Psa. 1:1-3, Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the
ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of
the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law
doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the
rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also
shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
b. He rejoiced because of outward walk in the truth. v. 3b. I Thess. 2:13,
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received
the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of
men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also
in you that believe.
c. His greatest joy. v. 4
d. Remember the source of all truth.
(1) Jesus is the truth. John 14:6, Jesus
saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto
the Father, but by me.
(2) God's Word is the truth. John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth:
thy word is truth.
(3) The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. I John 5:6, This is he that
came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water
and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit
is truth.
(4) The church is the pillar and ground of the truth. I Tim. 3:15, But
if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself
in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and
ground of the truth.
B. Demonstration Of Walking In Truth And Love. v. 5-8
1. The reward of hospitality. v. 5. Faithful
service will, always bring reward. Matt. 26:10, When Jesus understood
it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a
good work upon me. Rev. 14:13, And I heard a voice from heaven saying
unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth:
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their
works do follow them.
2. Strangers here are brethren not previously known. Heb. 13:2, Be not
forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels
unawares.
3. This does not mean that we are to take just anyone in our home. In the
N.T. times Christians carried letters of recommendation. Rom. 16:1, I
commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which
is at Cenchrea.
4. The report of hospitality. v. 6
a. The missionaries testified of Gaius' charity.
v. 6a
b. Gaius urged to continue this work. v. 6b
5. The reasons for hospitality. v. 7-8
a. The missionaries were in this work for "His
name's sake." v. 7a. The were witnesses to the lost.
b. The missionaries took nothing from the Gentiles. v. 7b. The did not ask
the unsaved to finance the work they were doing.
c. By hospitality Gaius became a fellowhelper to the truth. v. 8. Gal. 6:6-
10, Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth
in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a
man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall
of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of
the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity,
let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household
of faith. I Cor. 9:7-11, Who goeth a warfare any time at his own
charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or
who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these
things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in
the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth
out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for
our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth
should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker
of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing
if we shall reap your carnal things?
II. DIOTREPHESA MAN WHO WALKED AS A TROUBLEMAKER. v. 9-11
Diotrephes was a "church boss," of that we are certain, though we know not what office he held, if any. A. T. Robertson wrote an article on Diotrephes the church boss, which was published in a Christian magazine. As a result 20 deacons, wrote to the editor canceling their subscriptions because of, the personal attack made on them. It is tragic today that missionaries are not received with hospitality in many churches. Too many churches have one or more Diotrephes' in them!!
A. An Example Of A Contrary Walk. v. 9-10
1. He loved the preeminence which belongs to Christ alone. v. 9a. Col.1:18, And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
a. Many churches are cursed by mens like Diotrephes.
b. We need men like John the Baptist. John 3:30, He (Christ) must increase,
but I must decrease.
2. He refused or destroyed John's letter to
the Church. v. 9b
3. He had spoken malicious words against John. v. 10a. John promised to
deal with him when he arrived. Somebody has to stop such people. God's people
should be careful and not believe lies.
4. He received not the brethren. v. 10b. These were the missionaries, traveling
evangelists.
5. He had forbidden others to receive them. v. 10c
6. He had cast those out of the Church who did receive them. v. 10d
7. I have known men like Diotrephes, and the devil used them to ruin churches.
Some churches and pastors just let them rule until they die. When they are
put out of the church, some people with no spiritual discernment will follow
them.
B. An Exhortation And Warning. v. 11
1. Diotrephes is not to be followed. v. 11a
2. Good is of God, but evil is not. v. 1lb
III. DEMETRIUSA MAN WHO WALKED AS A TESTIMONY. v. 12-14
A. The Apostle's Commendation. v. 12
1. He had a good report of all men. v. 12a
2. He was noted for his stand for the truth. v. 12b
3. He was personally endorsed by John. v. 12c
4. Such people are to be followed. Phil. 3:17, Brethren, be followers
together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
I Cor. 11:1, Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Heb. 10:24, And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and
to good works.
B. The Apostle's Explanation. v. 13-14
1. He explains why his letter is short. v. 13
2. He explains his plans for a soon appearance. v. 14a
3. He pronounces peace. v. 14b
4. He exchanges greetings. v. 14c
—by E. L. Bynum
1. To whom was the epistle written ?
2. What was John's desire for him?
3. How did John know that Gaius was walking in the truth?
4. What gave John great joy?
5. Why had the missionaries gone forth?
6 . How was Gaius a fellowhelper to the truth?
7. What did Diotrephes love?
8. What had he done?
9. What did John say about Demetrius?
10. Quote the memory verse.
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First John Chapter Three
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Third John | Jude | Top Of Lessons
We believe that Jude was not one of the apostles, but the brother of James, the writer of the epistle of James, and the half brother of our Lord. v. 1. See Matt. 13:55,56 and Mark 6:3. This book is called a general epistle because it is not addressed to any particular church or person. It is significantly placed just before the book of Revelation, which tells of the apostasy and God's judgment upon it!
I. WHY WE ARE TO CONTEND FOR THE FAITH BECAUSE OF APOSTATE TEACHERS. v. 1-16
A. Who Is To Contend For The Faith? v. 1-2
1. Those who have received salvation. v. 1
a. They are sanctified by God the Father. v.
la. They share the common salvation. v. 3
b. They are preserved in Jesus Christ. v. lb. This furnishes eternal security.
John 10:27-30; Rom. 8:35-39
c. They are called to salvation by the Holy Spirit. v. 1c
2. Those who have received God's three-fold blessing. v. 2. II Pet. 1:2
a. God's mercy offers salvation by His grace.
b. God's peace comes to the believer. Rom. 5:1, Therefore being justified
by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
c. God's love experienced by the believer. Rom. 5:5,8, And hope maketh
not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the
Holy Ghost which is given unto us. But God commendeth his love toward us,
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
d. Because of these truths we are preserved in Christ. v. 1
B. The Apostates' Subtle Perversions. v. 3-4
1. The stated purpose of the epistle. v. 3a
a. He would have preferred to write of the common
salvation.
b. The perversions of truth made it necessary to write on another subject.
2. The solemn proposal to contend. v. 3b. This signifies to contend about a thing as a combatant or as in a contest. I Tim. 6:12, Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
a. We are to contend for "the faith"the
body of divine truth. I Thess. 2:4, But as we were allowed of God to
be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men,
but God, which trieth our hearts. I Tim. 1:11, According to the glorious
gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. I Tim. 6:20,
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and
vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called. II Tim.
2:2, And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,
the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others
also.
b. It was "once" delivered to the saints. "The faith"
is ours to keep and defend.
3. The apostates entered secretly. v. 4a. The
apostates were never saved. II Pet. 2:21- 22. The church out of neglect
had let them in. They were wolves in sheep's clothing.
4. They were previously appointed to condemnation. v. 4b. Such people are
ordained to be judged and condemned.
5. Their character is ungodly. v. 4c. They might have a form of godliness,
but it was only a form and not real. II Tim. 3:5
6. Their conduct is lascivious. v. 4d. "Lasciviousness" simply
means, "unbridled lust, licentiousness, wantonness, shamelessness,
insolence." Gal. 5:9; Mark. 7:21-22
7. Their doctrine is perverse because of their denial of Christ. v. 4e.
He affirms the deity of Christ. II Pet. 2:1
C. The Apostates Doom Intimated By Three Examples. v. 5-7
1. Apostasy begins with unbelief. v. 5. Though
saved from Egypt, God destroyed their physical lives in the wilderness because
of unbelief. Num. 14:1-45; I Cor. 10:1-5; Heb. 3.17-19, I Cor. 5:1-5; 11:30-32;
and I John 5:16
2. Unbelief leads to rebellion against God. v. 6. II Pet. 2:4. Fallen angels
are never called the sons of God. Job 1:6; 2:1. Angels are spirit beings
without bodies, even though they sometimes have appeared in bodies. They
are sexless and cannot reproduce. Matt. 22:30, For in the resurrection
they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of
God in heaven. They could not have cohabited with human beings in Gen.
6:1-4. This passage speaks of saved people marrying unsaved people.
3. Rebellion leads to lawless immorality and perversion. v. 7. All these
terminate in the judgment of God. This was the sin of homosexuality. Lev.
18:22-25; Rom. 1:24-27.
D. The Apostates' Impious Ways Illustrated By Three Examples. v. 8-11
1. Their presumption indicated. v. 8.
a. They are filthy dreamers. They reject God's
authority.
b. They defile the flesh. They believe the devil's lie. Gen. 3:5, For
God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened,
and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
c. They despise dominion, the lordship of Christ.
d. They speak evil of dignities.
2. Their presumption illustrated. v. 9-10
3. The reason for their woe. v. 11
a. They have gone the way of Cain in rejecting
the blood. Gen. 4:3-5
b. They have followed the error of Balaam in serving for money, and thinking
he could get by with it.
c. They resist God's authority as did Core (Korah), who rebelled against
God's chosen leader. Num. 16:1-35
E. The Apostates' Utter Falsity Demonstrated. v. 12-13
1. They imperil the activity of God's people. v. 12a
a. They were filthy spots.
b. They were feeding (shepherding) without fear. They were false pastors.
2. Their barrenness and fruitlessness. v. 12b
3. Their turbulent shame. v. 13a; Isa. 57:20-21, But the wicked are like
the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
4. Their terrible destiny. v. 13b
F. Enoch's Prophecy Of The Apostates. v. 14-15
1. He prophesied of the Lord's coming with His
saints. v. 14
2. He prophesied of the judgment upon the apostates. v. 15. We do not believe
that Jude copied this out of a book called Enoch. II Pet. 3:1-4; Rev. 19:13-16;
Psa. 50:3, Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall
devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
G. The Apostates' Character Reviewed. v. 16
1. The dissatisfaction of their words. v. 16a
2. The disorderliness of their walk. v. 16b
3. The dishonesty of their ways. v. 16c
II. HOW WE ARE TO CONTEND FOR THE FAITH THE PROVEN MEANS. v. 17-25
A. Remember The Apostasy Was Prophesied. v. 17-19
1. The prophesied warning to be heeded. v. 17.
See I Tim. 4:1-6; II Tim. 3:1-10; II Thess. 2:1-12; II Pet.2:1-22
2. The time of their coming and their conduct. v. 18
3. Their character, condition, and conduct is the cause for separation.
v. 19. Many people have no discernment, and are willing to follow those
who have false fire. Lev. 10:1, And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron,
took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon,
and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
Showmanship and entertainment are used to confuse and mislead the saints
in churches.
B. Remember To Prepare For The Contending. v. 20-23
1. Grow in the faith. v. 20a. This is done by
the study of God's word. II Tim. 2:15
2. Pray in the Spirit. v. 20b. Rom. 8:26-27, Likewise the Spirit also
helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:
but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot
be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of
the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the
will of God.
3. Make the love of God your environment. v. 21a. John 15:10, If ye keep
my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's
commandments, and abide in his love. Psa. 97:10, Ye that love the
LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them
out of the hand of the wicked.
4. Look for the mercy and help of God. v. 21b
5. Show compassion toward those being led astray. v. 22
6. Pull them out of the apostasy and ruin. v. 23. Gen. 19:16, And while
he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife,
and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him:
and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
C. Ascribe To God All The Honor And Glory. v. 24-25
1. He is the one who keeps us from falling.
v. 24a. True believers are preserved. v. 1
2. He will present us faultless, but not joyless. v. 24b
3. A four-fold ascription to Him. v. 25
—by E. L. Bynum
1. How did Jude describe himself?
2. Who was Jude?
3. Why did he write this letter?
4. How did he describe the saints in v. 1?
5. What did Jude ask the believers to do in v. 3?
6. What is "the faith?"
7. How is the course of apostasy illustrated in v. 5-7?
8. How are the apostates compared to Cain, Balaam, and Core?
9. What did Enoch predict?
10. How are we to prepare to contend for the faith?
11. Quote the memory verse.
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Third John | Jude | Top Of Lessons